KBS 2TV’s “Korea-Khitan War, got an 11.0% average rating for the night, which topped its time slot as the most popular drama. Particularly, the scene where the ministers wept as Hyun-jong declared that he would comply with the submission and left the palace soared to a peak of 12.3%. 

“Korea-Khitan War" episode 27 recap

[Feb 24] “Korea-Khitan War" Episode 27: Rating & Recap

In the 27th episode, Hyun-jong (Kim Dong-jun) carried out a secret operation to save Gaegyeong, which was in chaos due to the rebellion caused by Choi-jil (Joo Seok-tae). He pretended to comply with the Khitan’s demand for submission and ordered Yu-bang (Jung Ho-bin), who was in Seogyeong, to execute the traitors as soon as he arrived, creating a tense suspense.

The rebellion of Park-jin and the threat of the Khitan

Hyun-jong was furious to find out that the assassin who tried to kill him on Mongjin Road was Park-jin (Lee Jae-yong). He summoned all his ministers to the palace and asked Kim-hun (Ryu Seong-hyun) and Choi-jil, “I caught the one who tried to kill me. What do you think is the right thing to do with such a person?” Kim-hun and Choi-jil agreed that he should be beheaded immediately.

Hyun-jong ordered Park-jin, the criminal, to be brought to the palace. Kim-hun and Choi-jil, who learned of Park-jin’s whereabouts, showed signs of panic, and Park-jin insisted that he was innocent and demanded clear evidence. Kang Kam-chan (Choi Soo-jong) brought the head of the Gang clan, who heard Park-jin confess his treason, as a witness and delivered a thrilling scene.

The ministers asked for the death penalty as clear testimony came out, but Choi-jil argued that Park-jin should be investigated again at the Geumodaegae (an office that supervised and impeached officials) and dragged him out of the palace.

Hyun-jong was deeply saddened by the internal rebellion and the Khitan’s attempt to invade Goryeo. The Khitan envoy threatened that if Hyun-jong refused to submit, the Khitan soldiers would cross the Amnok River again, creating a sense of fear. Choi-jil watched this and boasted that he would become the leader of the Goryeo army and lead the war. This shows his greed for power.

Cornered by the exposure of his treason, Park-jin plotted a huge conspiracy to make Hyun-jong a hostage of the Khitan. He then went to the emperor’s bedroom and swung his sword at Hyun-jong, laughing madly, causing chills in the viewers.

Hyun-jong’s decision and counterattack

Hyun-jong learned of Park-jin’s scheme and pondered how to overcome this crisis all night. He made a decision alone and appointed Lee Ja-rim (played by Jeon Jin-woo) as the magistrate of Seogyeong. He also asked him to deliver a letter to Won-seong, who was at Heungnyunsa, on his way to Seogyeong.

Choi-jil, armed with armor, urged Hyun-jong to go to the Khitan and comply with their demand to prevent the war. Kang Kam-chan, Choi-hang (Kim Jung-hak), and Chae Chung-soon (Han Seung-hyun) strongly opposed Choi-jil’s coercion. Kang Kam-chan, furious, shouted, “Even if you're a traitor, you're a citizen of Goryeo. How can the people sell their king?” He fought with the guards. The palace became a battlefield, and Hyun-jong, who watched this, declared that he would comply with the submission, shocking everyone.

Hyun-jong said, “But promise me one thing. The ministers here are the core of the court. They must survive no matter what. Even if I leave, please protect them well.” He moved his feet. Kang Kam-chan and Yu-jin blocked Hyun-jong’s way, and the ministers cried out, “Never, never!” and wept.

Hyun-jong, who left Gaegyeong with Choi-jil, Kim-hun, Park-jin, and others, headed to the Khitan with determination. At the same time, arriving in Seogyeong, Lee Ja-rim delivered a secret letter to Yu-bang, making us sweat. At the end of episode 27, Hyun-jong’s "counterattack ending," which ordered the traitors to be executed as soon as he arrived in Seogyeong, unfolded.

(Source: naver.com)